GB2507774A

GB2507774A - A mounting assembly for mounting a vibration device

Info

Publication number: GB2507774A
Application number: GB1220190.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive Smith; Darren Aston
Original assignee: Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd
Current assignee: Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-09
Filing date: 2012-11-09
Publication date: 2014-05-14
Also published as: GB201220190D0; WO2014072722A3; WO2014072722A2

Abstract

A mounting assembly for mounting a vibration device is provided. The mounting assembly comprises: a mounting structure 13; a vibration isolation element 7 configured for coupling to a part of the vibration device and for substantially isolating vibrations of the vibration device from the mounting structure 13. The assembly further comprises an adjustment means 15 configured to permit adjustment of a relative spacing of the vibration isolation element 7 from the mounting structure 13.

Description

Mounting Assembly The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for mounting a vibration device, in particular, but not exclusively a mounting assembly for mounting a vibration feedback device in a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a vibration feedback system and a method of mounting a vibration dcvicc.

Devices which providc haptic feedback, for cxamplc vibration fccdback, are known. Such devices include, for example mobile telephones with flat touch screen displays. As there arc no physical buttons or switches, such devices are often controlled via capacitive switch technology using either a finger of a user or a stylus. However, because there are no physical moving or mechanical switches, in order to indicate to a user that a particular icon or area of the screen has been touched, sensory feedback can be provided to a user. One such type of feedback may be vibrations produced by a motor with an unbalanced weight which causes the device to vibrate when activated. Such devices are also known as haptic feedback devices.

It is known to provide haptic feedback devices in a motor vehicle. However, the mounting of such devices causes problems in that the mounting of the device to vehicles structures can adversely affect the level of haptic feedback which may result in decreased operability.

The present invention aims to alleviate, at least to a certain extent, the problems and/or address at least to a certain extent the difficulties associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting assembly for mounting a vibration device, the assembly comprising: a mounting structure; a vibration isolation element configured for coupling to a part of the vibration device and for substantially isolating vibrations of the vibration device from the mounting structure; and wherein the assembly frirther comprises an adjustment means configured to permit adjustment of a relative spacing of the vibration isolation element from said mounting structure.

In this way, vibrations from the vibration device, for example, a haptie feedback unit, or switch pack, are partially or completely preveilted from being transferred to the mounting structure, for example an interior body panel of a vehicle. In addition, the arrangement allows the vibration isolation element and its spacing from the mounting structure to be adjusted such that the vibration device can be aligned with a surface of the interior body panel. The interior body panel may comprise a cosmetic panel. This cosmetic panel may be formed of various different materials and, depending on choice, the thickness of the cosmetic panel may vary.

The adjustment means permits the alignment and spacing of the vibration isolation element and hence thc part of the vibration device coupled thcrcto to be adjusted for each thickness of panel. In this way, a surface of the vibration device, for example the control surface, may be aligned substantially flush with thc surface of thc cosmetic panel. Furthermore, a single typc of mounting assembly may be used with different cosmetic panels.

Preferably, the vibration isolation element comprises a resiliently deforniable material. Such a material reduces the transfer of vibration.

Preferably, the vibration isolation element is formed with a recess for coupling to said part of the vibrating device. The recess may be formed as a section of reduced diameter or a socket around which or into which the part of the vibration device may be arranged. The part of the vibration device may be formed with a C-shaped clip provided on the end of a support arm attached to a body of the vibration device. The vibration isolation element may be indirectly coupled to the vibration device.

Preferably, the vibration isolation clement is formed as a rubber grommet. Other materials could be used such as ethylene propylene diene monomer or any material which provides vibration isolation characteristics and resists deterioration.

Preferably, the vibration isolation element comprises a tubular form and radially extending flanges at each axial end. Such a form provides a section of reduced diameter around which said part of the vibration device may be arranged.

Preferably, the mounting structure comprises a receiving means for receiving said adjustment means and the receiving means being configured to resist adjustment of the adjustment means. During installation, the adjustment means may be adjusted to adjust the spacing, preferably, the maximum spacing of the vibration isolation element from the mounting structure. However, the receiving means may be configured to resist further adjustment, for example by providing a nylon locking clement in a screw thread between the adjustment means and the receiving means or a compound which sets or hardens over time to lock the adjustment means in position.

Preferably, the vibration isolation element is formed with a through hole for receiving said adjustment means therethrough.. This allows the vibration isolation clement to be located by the adjustment means in position. The through hole may also allow the vibration isolation clement to slide axially along the adjustment means, fbr example, when the adjustment means is provided in the form of a screw.

Preferably, the vibration isolation element being provided with internal support means to resist radial deformation of the through hole. The support means can be formed as part of the vibration isolation element or may be a separate part. This advantageously maintains the shape of the vibration isolation element in the region of coupling so that the coupling is maintained.

Preferably, the support means comprises a cylindrical sleeve. Preferably, the support means is formed of a brass material. Preferably, the cylindrical sleeve has an external diameter which substantially matches the internal diameter of the vibration isolation element. Preferably, the support means extends the same length as the axial extent of the vibration isolation element.

This seeks to prevent internal radial deformation of the bore or through hole of the vibration isolation element.

Preferably, the support means comprises a radial flange arranged adjacent said vibration isolation element. The flange may serve to locate the support means on the vibration isolation element The flange may also serve to resist axial defbrmation at one end of the vibration isolation element and may be a contact surface with a screw head.

Preferably, the adjustment means comprises a thread for engagement with a corresponding thread provided on the mounting structure. The use of a screw thread allows smooth or continual adjustment of the maximum spacing of the vibration isolation element fixm the mounting structure. The degree of adjustment may preferably be up to 3 mm.

Preferably, the adjustment means comprises a threaded bolt or screw. The screw may be an M4 screw with a substantially domed shaped heap which may rest atop the flange of the support means. The screw may be formed of any suitable material, for example a metal material such as a stainless steel or a mild steel with a zinc coating.

Preferably, the relative spacing is a maximum relative spacing of the vibration isolation element from said mounting structure. The vibration isolation element may slide axially along the adjustment means, for example when provided in the form of a screw. In this way, the adjustment means may set the maximum spacing of the vibration isolation element from the mounting structure. It is also envisaged that the vibration isolation element is fixed to the adjustment means such that adjustment of the adjustment means adjusts the absolute spacing of the vibration isolation element from the mounting structure.

Preferably, the rotational axes of the vibration isolation element, the support means, the adjustment means are arranged in axial alignment. Preferably, the axes of these elements is substantially perpendicular to the plane of a surface on which the mounting structure is provided.

Preferably, the vibration isolation element is movable between the maximum relative spacing and the mounting structure. This serves to further reduce the level of vibration transferred from the vibration device to the mounting structure.

Preferably, the assembly further comprises a biasing means configured to bias the vibration isolation element in a direction away from the mounting structure. This advantageously seeks to maintain the vibration isolation element and the part of the vibration device coupled thereto at a predetermined spacing from the mounting structure, but still allowing a degree of movement depending on the spring constant of the spring. The biasing means may be provided in axial alignment with the adjustment means or separate thereto. The biasing means may be formed as a spring loaded plunger. The biasing means may be connected to the vibration device and bias against a surface on which the mounting structure is formed.

Preferably, the mounting structure is connected to or formed with an interior vehicle component. Preferably, the mounting structure is provided on an, in use, underside of the vehicle component.

Preferably, the interior vehicle component is an interior fascia panel, for example a dash board or centre console of a vehicle.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vibration feedback system, the system comprising a mounting assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the system comprising a vibration device coupled to said vibration isolation element, said vibration device including one or more biasing means to bias the vibrating feedback device in a direction away from the mounting structure.

Preferably, the vibration device is located within a surface aperture. Preferably, a control surface or activation surface of the vibration device is in substantial alignment with the exterior surface of an interior surface.

Preferably, a resiliently deformable centralising ring is provided between an edge of the aperture and a peripheral edge of the vibration device. The centralising ring preferably has a substantially square cross-section. The ccntralising ring serves to locate the vibration device within the centre of the aperture. This seeks to prevent the vibration device coming into direct contact with the vehicle structure.

Preferably, the biasing means are provided at spaced intervals around the periphery of the vibration feedback device. Depending on the shape and size of the vibration device, any number of biasing means may be used. Typically, four biasing means are provided around a vibration device.

Preferably each of said biasing means has an associated mounting structure according to the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the biasing means comprises a plunger and a spring. The axial alignment of the plunger can be controlled and thus the direction of biasing force can be chosen. Preferably, the biasing force is chosen to be in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the adjustment means.

Preferably, the said part of said vibration device comprises a support arm. The support arm is preferably formed with a body of the vibration device. The support arm preferably includes a clip means, preferably in the form of a C-clip to couple with the vibration isolation element.

Preferably, the vibration device is a vibration feedback switching device. Preferably, the device is a device which produced haptie feedback in response to operation by a user.

Preferably, the vibration device comprises a capacitive switch.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor vehicle, such as a motor car, which includes an assembly according to the first aspect or a vibration feedback system according to the second aspect of the invention. The mounting assembly and vibration feedback system may have many applications, for example in aerospace or domestic environments which require vibration isolation.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting a vibration device, including the steps of providing a mounting assembly according the first aspect, coupling said part of said vibration device to said vibration isolation element, and adjusting the adjusting means to adjust the relative spacing of the vibration device from said mounting means. Preferably, the vibration device includes biasing means to bias the vibration device in a direction away from the mounting structure. Preferably, this direction is substantially perpendicular to a surface in which the vibration device is located. Preferably, the relative spacing is adjusted to bring a control surface of the vibration device in alignment with a surface in which the vibration device is located.

The present invention may be carried out in various ways and embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a vibration feedback device; Figure 2 shows a rear side view of a console panel of a vehicle interior; Figure 3 shows a side view of the vibration feedback device of Figure 1 mounted in the console panel Figure 2; Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of a mounting assembly for the vibration device of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a cut-away view of a biasing means of the mounting assembly for the vibration feedback device of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a cross-section through a rotary switching device showing detail of the biasing means; and Figure 7 shows a cross-section through a mounting assembly.

Figure 1 shows a vibration feedback device or switch pack 1. The device comprises a number of switching areas 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d which can be used to control various devices, for example, air conditioning, seat heating level, front and rear windscreen heater or audio controls. The device also includes a rotary dial 2, which in the embodiment, is used to control the interior temperature of the vehicle.

The switching areas 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are formed in a surface 28 which is substantially rigid such that the surface does not need to be deformed in order to operate or activate one or more of the switching areas. This can help serve to improve the durability of the device as there are fewer mechanical components. However, in order to provide haptie feedback to a user, the device is provided with a vibration feedback unit (not shown) contained within the body 29 of the device 1. The benefits of such haptic feedback are that a user can be more confident that one of the switching surface areas has been activated. In addition, providing haptic feedback to the activation of one or more of the switching areas may provide quick non-visual confirmation to a user of the switching area activated. The type of vibration feedback can be configured such that activating each switching area produces a different haptic or vibration sensation, for example, by controlling the frequency or amplitude of the vibrations. The switching areas of the feedback device can be activated by implementing various technologies, for example capacitive glass switches. Although in the embodiment, the device has been shown with a rigid surface, haptic feedback could also be provided for conventional mechanical switches.

The vibration feedback device has a generally planar surface 28 on which the switching areas 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are provided. The rotary dial 2 is provided atop this planar surface 28 and may incorporate a digital display, in the embodiment, showing the interior set temperature of the vehicle.

The vibration feedback device I has a generally rectangular form with rounded corners. A resiliently deformable, in the embodiment rubber or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) centralising ring 9 is providcd on a flange providcd around the periphery 31 of the vibration element. The centralising ring serves to eentralise the vibration device I within an aperture. This centralising ring 9 has a generally square cross-section.

The vibration feedback device 1 includes a plurality of support arms 6 arranged at spaced intervals around the periphery 31 of the device I. The support arms 6 are substantially planar and extend perpendicular to the body 29 of the device I in a directional substantially parallel to the upper surface 28 of the device I. The support arms 6 are formed with a generally C-shaped receptacle, such that the support arms have an open receiving part into which an isolation element 7 in the form of a rubber or EPDM grommet may be received. The rubber grommet 7 is formed as a tube, with a radially extending flange at each axial end such that there is provided a section of reduced diameter therebetween. The C-shaped receptacle of the support arms 6 locate around the reduced diameter section of the grommet 7 between the flanges provided at each axial end of the grommet 7.

Within each rubber grommet 7, a support means 8 in the form of a brass insert is provided.

The brass insert 8 is formed as a cylindrical sleeve or tube with a radially extending flange at one end. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the radial flange of the brass insert 8 rests against the outer edge of the lowermost flange of the rubber grommet 7. The brass insert 8 extends through the rubber grommet with its upper end in substantial alignment with the outer end surface of the uppermost flange of the rubber grommet 7. The brass insert 8 serves, in part, to prevent axial deformation of the lowermost flange of the rubber grommet when force is applied thereto via a screw head (not shown in this Figure) and also radial deformation of the rubber grommet in order to maintain a suitable supporting structure to engage with the C-shaped receptacle of the support arm 6 from the vibration device 1. When assembled, the axes of the grommets 7 and brass inserts 8, are aligned substantially perpendicular to the surface plane of the switch surface 28.

The vibration device I is also provided with a plurality of spring loaded plungers, which are held within plunger holders 5. The plungers are aligned such that they are displaceable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the surface 28 of the device 1 and are in substantial parallel alignment with the axes of the apertures of the grommets 7 and brass inserts 8.

In the embodiment, it can be seen that the spring loaded plungers have tips 4, which extend through an aperturc in the plunger holders 5. The plungers are provided with biasing means which bias the plunger out of the aperture or hole. The tips 4 arc formed substantially as truncated cones.

Figure 2 shows the underside of a conso'e panel 10 of a vehicle. The console pand 10 may be a panel positioned between the front seats of a vehicle. However, the vibration device and the mounting assembly may be provided in any suitable surface in a vehicle.

The underside surface or B-surface 32 of the console panel 10 is made of a metal material, such as aluminium or an alloy. However, any other suitable material is envisaged, such as composite materials, plastics etc. The console panel 10 is formed with an aperture 11 a formed to receive the vibration device 1. The console panel may include a number of additional apertures 1 lb, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d formed to receive additional control devices, which could include additional controls, including vibration feedback devices or other haptic feedback devices.

Within the aperture II a, a stepped edge 30 is provided. This stepped edge is formed to receive the rubber peripheral centralising ring 9 of the vibration device 1. The rubber centralising ring 9 serves to centre the vibration device within the aperture 1 la. The console panel 10 is also provided with mounting structures 13a, 13b, 13e. The mounting structures 13a, 13b, 13c are formed as tubular structures or screw bosses provided with an internal thread. The mounting structures may be formed integrally with the console panel 10. The mounting structures are arranged on the underside 32 of the console panel 10 such that the axes of the screw bosses 13a, 13b, 13e are in alignment with the corresponding axes of the brass inserts 8 when the vibration device 1 is located in the aperture ha of the console panel 10.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the vibration device I located through the rear surface of the console panel 10. It can be seen that the surface 28 of the vibration device 1 is in substantial alignment with the upper surface or A-surface 14 of the console panel 10. The A-surface 14 may be formed as a cosmetic panel, for example formed from a wood veneer, carbon fibre, or metal material. Because of the different materials that may be used to form the A-surface of the console panel 10, the A-surface may be formed with a conesponding differing thickness.

In Figure 3, it can bc seen that thc axcs of thc rubbcr grommets 7 and thc axcs of thc brass inserts 8 arc aligned with the axes of the screw bosses. To maintain the vibration device in position, adjustment means in the form of screws 15 are provided. In the embodiment, the screws are steel M4 screws. The screws IS are inserted from the rear of the console panel 10 and extend thought the central aperture of the brass insert 8 and hence also the central aperture of the rubber grommet 7. The screws 15 extend into the screw bosses 13 and engage with an internal thread provided therein.

Through the provision of a locking thread, for example a patchlock or nylon insert, the screws can be screwed into a desired position with the locking thread resisting further rotational movement. The threaded parts could also be provided with a compound which sets hard over time, such that during assembly the screws 15 may be adjusted to the desired length, but no further changes may be made once the compound has set. This serves to maintain a maximum spacing of the grommet 7 from the screw boss 13 or console A-surface 14. The brass insert 8 and grommet 7 may move along the shaft of the screw 15, but the head of the screw 15 avoids a relative spacing between the grommet 7 and the screw boss 13 which is greater than the maximum set by the screw 15 threaded into the screw boss 13.

The biased or spring loaded plungers contact and bias against the underside 32 of the console panel 10. This biasing force biases the vibration device I away from the underside of the console. However, the degree of any possible movement is limited by the screws 15 in the screw bosses 13.

Figure 4 shows further detail of the arrangement of the mounting assembly. The rubber grommet 7 is shown in semi-transparent form to thereby show the brass insert 8 within. The support arm 6 in the form of a C-clip is shown positioned in the reduced diameter section of the grommet 7. The brass insert 8 serves to maintain the form of this section of the grommet 7 so as to lock the C-clip to the rubber grommet 7 as the brass insert resists deformation of the rubber grommet 7 in this region.

The screw 15 is formed, in the embodiment, with a generally domed head 26 with a hexalobular or hexagonal recess 19 formed therein to receive a tool such as a hcxalobular or hexagonal key in order to adjust the screw.

The spring loaded plunger is shown adjacent the mounting arrangement. The spring loaded plunger has a tip 4 which extends out through an aperture in the base of a plunger holder 5.

The tip 4, which is formed substantially as a truncated cone is biased against the internal surface of the console 10. The rear end 16 of the plunger extends through a further aperture provided at the top of the plunger holder 5.

In operation of the vibration device, when a user presses one of the switching surfaces 3 a, 3b, 3c, 3d, haptic feedback is provided in the form of vibration. This vibration may be produced by providing a motor with an unbalanced flywheel or weight. The arrangement of the spring loaded plunger permits the vibration device to vibrate relative to the console panel 10 and the brass insert 8 and grommet 7, to which the support arm 6 is coupled, are free to move along the shaft of the screw 15. The isolation clement, which in the embodiment is in the form of a rubber grommet 7, serves to prevent haptic vibration being transmitted to the console panel 10. The mounting assembly serves to provide a non-rigid mounting of the vibration device to the vehicle interior console.

The screws 15 can be adjusted to control the maximum spacing of the grommet 7 from the screw boss 13 and console 10. In this way, the surface 28 of the vibration device may be positioned substantially flush or in any specified spacing relative to the upper or A-surface 14 of the console 10.

Figure 5 shows a cut away view of the plunger holder 5. The plunger 33 comprises a shaft with a substantially truncated conical tip 4. A biasing means 17 in the form of a coil spring is provided around the shaft which biases against the flange provided at the rear of the conical tip 4. The adjustment possible may be in the order of 2-3mm or more.

Figure 6 shows a detail of another plunger holder 5. The plunger tip 4 has a flange 31 provided at the rear thereof A coil spring 17 engages with the flange to bias the plunger tip through the aperture in the base of the plunger holderS. The plunger holder S has an internal lip 18 around the aperture in the base which is sized to engage with the flange of the plunger tip 4 when the plunger is at its maximum extension.

Although in thc embodiments, the spring loaded plungers have been shown as being formed with the body of the vibration device, it is envisaged that biasing means may be provided with the mounting assembly, for example by a spring provided around the screw 15 between the mounting structure and the vibration isolation element.

Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-section through the mounting apparatus showing the screw boss 13 with an internal thread 21. The internal thread 21 engages with the external thread 20 of the screw 15. The screw 15 has a substantially domed-shaped head 26 and a recess 19 to receive a tool such as a hcxalobular or hexagonal key.

The screw head 26 is substantially planar on its lowermost side and rests atop the flange 27 of the brass insert 8. The brass insert 8 is positioned within the aperture in the grommet 7. The grommet 7 includes an upper radially extending flange 23 and a lower radially extending flange 24 such that there is provided a section 22 of reduced diameter thcrcbctwccn. Around this section 22 of reduced diameter, the C-shaped support arm clip 6 may is located.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to haptic devices in vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, applications are also envisaged in aerospace and also for domestic applications where vibration isolation is required.

It is envisaged that the skilled person in the art may make various changes to the embodiments specifically described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Mounting assembly for mounting a vibration device, the assembly comprising: a mounting structure; a vibration isolation element configured for coupling to a part of the vibration device and for substantially isolating vibrations of thc vibration dcvicc from thc mounting structurc; and wherein the assembly further comprises an adjustment means configured to permit adjustmcnt of a rclativc spacing of thc vibration isolation elcment from said mounting structure.
2. Mounting assembly as claimed in claim I, wherein the vibration isolation element comprises a resiliently deformable material.
3. Mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the vibration isolation element is formed with a recess for coupling to said part of the vibrating device.
4. Mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein thc vibration isolation element is formed as a rubber grommet.
5. Mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein thc vibration isolation element comprises a tubular form and radially extending flanges at each axial end.
6. Mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mounting structure comprises a receiving means for receiving said adjustment means and the receiving means being configured to resist adjustment of the adjustment means.
7. Mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vibration isolation element is formed with a through hole for receiving said adjustment means therethrough.
8. Mounting assembly as claimed in claim 7, the vibration isolation element being provided with internal support means to resist radial deformation of the through hole.
9. Mounting assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the support means comprises a cylindrical sleeve.
10. Mounting assembly as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein the support means comprises a radial flange arranged adjacent said vibration isolation element.
II. Mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the adjustment means comprises a thread for cngagemcnt with a corresponding thread provided on the mounting structure.
12. Mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the adjustment means comprises a threaded bolt or screw.
13. Mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the relative spacing is a maximum relative spacing of the vibration isolation element fixm said mounting structure.
14. Mounting assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein thc vibration isolation clement is movable between the maximum relative spacing and the mounting sttucture.
15. Mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the assembly further comprises a biasing means configured to bias the vibration isolation clement in a direction away fix,m the mounting structure.
16. Mounting assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mounting structure is connected to or formed with an interior vehicle component.
17. Mounting assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the interior vehicle component is an interior fliscia panel.
18. A vibration feedback system, the system comprising a mounting assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17, the system comprising a vibration device coupled to said vibration isolation clement, said vibration device including one or more biasing means to bias the vibrating feedback device in a direction away from the mounting strucwre.
19. A vibration feedback system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the vibration device is located within a surface aperture.
20. A vibration feedback system as claimed in claim 19, wherein a resiliently deformable centralising ring is provided between an edge of the aperture and a peripheral edge of the vibration device.
21. A vibration fccdback system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the biasing means arc provided at spaced intervals around the periphery of the vibration feedback device.
22. A vibration feedback system as claimed in anyone of claims 18 to 21, wherein each of said biasing means has an associated mounting structure according to any one of claims I to 17.
23. A vibration feedback system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the biasing means comprises a plunger and a spring.
24. A vibration feedback system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the said part of said vibration device comprises a support arm.
25. A vibration feedback system as claimed in any of claims 18 to 24, wherein the vibration device is a vibration feedback switching device.
26. A vibration feedback system as claimed in any of claims 18 to 25, wherein the vibration device comprises a capacitive switch.27. A motor vehicle, such as a motor car, which includes an assembly as claimed in any of claims Ito 17 or a vibration feedback system as claimed in any of claims 18 to 26.
27. A method of mounting a vibration device, including the steps of providing a mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, coupling said part of said vibration device to said vibration isolation element, and adjusting the adjusting means to adjust the relative spacing of the vibration device from said mounting means.
28. A mounting assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
29. A vibration feedback system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
30. A motor vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
31. A method of mounting a vibration device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.